Forage Faxhttp://foragefax.tamu.edu
Teaching, Research, Extension and ServiceWed, 18 Mar 2015 15:13:15 +0000en-UShourly1http://wordpress.org/?v=4.1.1Spring is Here?http://foragefax.tamu.edu/2015/03/18/spring-is-here/
http://foragefax.tamu.edu/2015/03/18/spring-is-here/#commentsWed, 18 Mar 2015 15:13:15 +0000http://agrilife.org/foragefax/?p=686Read More →]]>With the coming of the First Day of Spring (March 20th) and the most recent warm weather and sunny days we start thinking about our warm season pastures and hay meadows. A few things to keep in mind as our warm season forages begin to break dormancy…

Soil Test! Soil Test! Soil Test! If you have not done so for this year, please consider obtaining a soil test now. There is not much that can be done regarding the high cost of fertilizer, but there is much we can do regarding how efficiently we use fertilizer. The soil test is the first step in efficient fertilizer use and improved forage production. Samples should be collected annually for hay meadows and every 2 to 3 years for grazing pastures. For soil forms and bags contact your County Extension Office or visit http://soiltesting.tamu.edu. You may also wish to see the Testing Your Soil publication that describes how to obtain a soil sample for analysis. The form for submitting soils samples can be obtained by clicking here.

Scout for warm-season annual weeds and assess whether to control them with recommended herbicides. When pastures contain 50% or more weeds, economic inputs start to increase and net returns drop. Apply herbicide early, depending on the climate. To control annual weeds effectively, spray when they are small and growing. Follow the recommendations on the product label. Note: Herbicides that control broadleaf weeds also kill clover.

Young Horseweed

Sprayer Calibration is a critical step for a pesticide applicator in making sure the correct amount of pesticide is applied to the target site. Calibration is the process by which the amount of pesticide being applied per a unit of area is determined. This step is most often skipped because we get in a hurry, we calibrated it once a long time ago (surely nothing has changed) or we forget. By skipping sprayer calibration the applicator may be applying too much pesticide or not enough pesticide. If too little pesticide is applied, the pest may not be controlled. Using more product than label directions recommend is illegal, may not control the pest effectively, may injure non-targets and may be hazardous to the environment. For a step-by-step guide to calibrating a sprayer see the following publication:

There are some great events occurring in April so don’t forget to cheek out the “Events” tab for upcoming events in College Station, TX! Events occurring through out the year will be posted under the “Events” tab. For local programs contact your County Extension Agent.

]]>http://foragefax.tamu.edu/2015/03/18/spring-is-here/feed/0Weed of the Week: Spiny Sow Thistle (Annual)http://foragefax.tamu.edu/2015/03/10/weed-of-the-week-spiny-sow-thistle-annual/
http://foragefax.tamu.edu/2015/03/10/weed-of-the-week-spiny-sow-thistle-annual/#commentsTue, 10 Mar 2015 16:52:23 +0000http://agrilife.org/foragefax/?p=254Read More →]]>Many growers make no distinction at all between perennial and annual sow thistles. That’s because all three versions are tall weeds with yellow, dandelion-like flowers and stems that produce a milky sap. Seedlings of the two species(Sonchus asper & Sonchus oleraceus) are practically indistinguishable, and may be difficult to tell apart even at spray stage without examining the root system. Annual and perennial sow thistle will be covered in an upcoming post.

Spiny Sow Thistle (Sonchus asper):

An annual that has bluish-green leaves and stems that emit a milky sap when cut. Spiny sowthistle is primarily a weed of pastures, hay fields, landscapes and roadsides. It is found throughout the United States. Young leaves form a basal rosette have a whitish coating.

Basal Rosette of Spiny Sow Thistle

The leaves have very prickly margins that initially develop as a basal rosette and then occur alternately along the flowering stem, the bluish-green color of the leaves, and the yellow flowers with a ‘puff-ball’ seedhead are all characteristics that help in the identification of spiny sowthistle. Spiny sow thistle has a taproot.

Mature Spiny Sow Thistle with Yellow Flowers

Leaves of Spiny Sow Thistle

Select Herbicide Options:

Weedmaster

2, 4-D

GrazonNext HL

Grazon P+D

Milestone

Chaparral (for bermudagrass pastures, will destroy bahiagrass)

Cimarron Max (for bermudagrass pastures, will destroy bahiagrass)

Pastora (for bermudagrass pastures, will destroy bahiagrass)

REMEMBER: THE LABEL IS THE LAW! Always read the pesticide label before using.

]]>http://foragefax.tamu.edu/2015/03/10/weed-of-the-week-spiny-sow-thistle-annual/feed/0Does a New Year Mean a New Pasture/Hay Meadow?http://foragefax.tamu.edu/2015/02/06/does-a-new-year-mean-a-new-pasturehay-meadow/
http://foragefax.tamu.edu/2015/02/06/does-a-new-year-mean-a-new-pasturehay-meadow/#commentsFri, 06 Feb 2015 23:01:56 +0000http://agrilife.org/foragefax/?p=763Read More →]]>It’s always best to initiate the planning process the year prior to actual planting. So start planning in 2015 to plant in 2016. Instead of planning in 2015 to plant in 2015.

A Coastal Bermudagrass hay meadow that has lost production

Evaluate the farm’s forage needs. Consider how the forage will be used (grazing vs. hay), what species are better adapted to your area (season, soil type, rainfall) and what resources (equipment, money, and time) are available. Reestablishment should be considered when less than 40% of the desirable species exist.

For exclusive hay production:

Take visual appraisal of meadow. Bald spots may fill in with time, fertilization and weed control. Or bald spots may be filled in with sprigs or seed.

Determine if you have seen a reduction in production (quantity produced). If hay production has been reduced considerably reestablishment may be desirable.

Determine if other forage species and/or broadleaf weeds have invaded the field. They may be easily controlled with herbicide.

In late summer the year prior to planting (for warm season forages), destroy existing perennial grass vegetation.

Implement a weed control program.

Use proper management to maintain a productive stand.

Keep in mind a newly established pasture/hay meadow may not be very productive the year of establishment. Therefore, be prepared to have other forage options for livestock during that season.

See “Publications” tab for more information on forage species, hay production, soil sampling, weed control and establishment.

]]>http://foragefax.tamu.edu/2015/02/06/does-a-new-year-mean-a-new-pasturehay-meadow/feed/0Renovationhttp://foragefax.tamu.edu/2015/01/27/renovation/
http://foragefax.tamu.edu/2015/01/27/renovation/#commentsTue, 27 Jan 2015 22:00:56 +0000http://agrilife.org/foragefax/?p=752Read More →]]>During the dormant season we often get anxious for warm weather and green pastures so we start thinking about renovation. Renovation is a practice or series of management practices which “restores the vigor” or “makes new again.” In pasture management, renovation refers to improvement of a permanent pasture by changed management.

Renovation of bermudagrass pastures may be as simple as soil testing and applying proper fertilization; or, it may be as complex and intensive as destroying the existing sod, preparing a seedbed and sprigging again.

Some renovation practices:

Soil Testing and Fertilization

Soil Sampling Tools

First renovation practice should be extensive soil testing and fertilization in accordance with the soil test recommendations. With current cattle value and fertilizer prices now is the time to renovate with fertilization. Soil Testing Form

Burning during the dormant period will remove excess dead forage; destroy some insects, winter weeds, and weedy grasses. However, burning can be a fire hazard, remove stubble that protects the grass from late freezes and allows potential for more soil erosion. Timing is critical and must be done after weeds have emerged but before bermudagrass green-up. Waiting until later decreases yields. The potential fire hazard (buildings, hay, forest, etc) can be major liabilities make sure to contact local authorities (police and fire department) before burning.

Subsoiling, Chiseling, Discing, Plowing

A tractor pulling a disc

Subsoiling and chiseling will eliminate compaction layers (more common in heavier clay soils). More intensive discing or plowing will incorporate organic matter in the soil, incorporate fertilizer and lime, destroy grassy weeds, scatter cut sprigs, and increase soil water penetration. There is limited to no comparative research data to show a bermudagrass production advantage to discing. Any of the above renovation practices should be done during grass dormancy (winter), with care taken to conserve soil moisture, especially in a drought. In NE Texas that is typically February-March however in SE Texas that time could be earlier. Keep in mind that anytime we disturb the soil we are potentially promoting the germination of weed seeds so be prepared for weed control.

If left uncontrolled, thick thistle stands can reduce grazing and result in less forage production. A single thistle plant can produce at least 4,000 seeds, which increases the chance for higher thistle populations in the pasture the following year. Consequently, management practices need to be conducted prior to flower formation for effective thistle control. Even if thistles have not infested your pasture in the past, it is ideal that your pastures are scouted in late fall through mid-spring (November to March) to ensure that thistles do not get out of control. New infestations are easier to manage than large-scale populations.

Although there are at several different species of thistle in Texas, most are closely related and control recommendations will not differ. Best time to control with a herbicide is when thistles are in the rosette stage. The rosette stage is when the thistle forms a low-growing ring of leaves. As they mature they are harder to control and may require higher rates of herbicide to have effective control.

Thistle in rosette stage

Select Herbicide Options:

Weedmaster

2, 4-D

GrazonNext

Remedy

PastureGard

Cimarron Max (for bermudagrass pastures, will control bahiagrass)

REMEMBER: THE LABEL IS THE LAW! Always read the pesticide label before using.

]]>http://foragefax.tamu.edu/2015/01/12/weed-of-the-week-thistles/feed/0Planting Winter Forageshttp://foragefax.tamu.edu/2014/09/09/planting-winter-forages/
http://foragefax.tamu.edu/2014/09/09/planting-winter-forages/#commentsTue, 09 Sep 2014 15:48:25 +0000http://agrilife.org/foragefax/?p=617Read More →]]>Late September-early October is the ideal time for planting cool season annual forages such as annual ryegrass, small grains (rye, wheat or oats) and/or cool season annual legumes. Anytime we are incorporating new forages into our production systems it is important to make sure to match the forage species to your location (soil type, average annual rainfall, intended use, etc). If you have questions about forages appropriate for your area contact your local county extension agent.

Three methods for establishing cool-season annual grasses include planting into a prepared seedbed, the light disking method and overseeding or sodseeding into undisturbed soil. Specific planting guidelines are summarized in the table below:

]]>http://foragefax.tamu.edu/2014/09/09/planting-winter-forages/feed/0Pasture Management – Just the Factshttp://foragefax.tamu.edu/2014/06/12/pasture-management-just-the-facts/
http://foragefax.tamu.edu/2014/06/12/pasture-management-just-the-facts/#commentsThu, 12 Jun 2014 16:32:59 +0000http://agrilife.org/foragefax/?p=727Read More →]]>Photosynthesis is the process by which plants combine solar energy, atmospheric CO2, and water, within green leaf tissue (chlorophyll) to produce carbohydrates. Plants use these carbohydrates as a source of energy to carry on basic metabolic processes. In short, while overly simplistic, plants can create their own food using the simple ingredients of sunlight, water, and CO2. Plants do require, however, adequate green leaf (photosynthetic tissue) in order to carry out photosynthesis. Without these four main ingredients plants cannot survive. As managers there is not a lot we can do regarding CO2; there is adequate quantities in the atmosphere. We can, however, have an impact on water, sunlight, and the amount of green leaf involved in the photosynthesis process. Let’s take a look at what impacts we can have on the important aspect of plant production.

Some might argue we have little control over the amount of sunlight plants receive. The truth is we have a substantial influence on the amount of sunlight reaching the plant leaves. If we do not control weeds or if we do not appropriately manage winter pasture as warm-season grasses are breaking dormancy, a canopy (think umbrella) of weeds or winter annuals results and intercepts/uses most of the sunlight with very little reaching the forage plant below. Since sunlight is a crucial component of photosynthesis, the forage below the canopy suffers. Without adequate sunlight, photosynthesis is reduced, root growth and development is decreased, and overall vigor and production of the forage plant declines. As managers we have direct control over the amount of sunlight reaching the desired forage by either removing weeds with the appropriate herbicide at the appropriate time or by removing winter annuals prior to the time warm-season grasses begin to make active growth. When night time temperatures consistently reach 60⁰F, warm-season grasses begin making active growth and cool-season annuals should be removed prior to this time.

The same argument could be made regarding precipitation; obviously, managers have no control over the amount of precipitation occurring during the year. Managers do, however, can control how much of the precipitation remains on their property. When pastures are routinely grazed short, overland flow of runoff during precipitation events is increased and more water runs off the pasture rather than into the soil (infiltration). Consider making your property a “sponge” to capture and keep as much moisture as possible. This concept of slowing down runoff velocity and increasing infiltration also protects the soil from loss (erosion), keeps expensive fertilizer nutrients, pesticides, and bacteria in the pasture, and protects soil organic matter from being lost as a result of soil erosion. Water + topsoil + nutrients + organic matter = a much healthier pasture environment and will pay dividends for years to come. Conversely, loss of water, topsoil, organic matter, etc., results in a pasture system that is low in productivity.

Finally, as managers we have a direct control over how much green leaf remains in the pasture. Research data indicates up to 50% of the forage leaf may be removed without deleterious effects on the root system. Once >50% of the leaf is removed root growth and development is reduced significantly. As root growth and development is reduced there is a negative feedback to the topgrowth; this further exacerbates an already bad situation. As managers we primarily control the amount of green leaf taken by using the appropriate stocking rate and possibly some type of grazing method. However, other “grazers” such as grasshoppers, fall armyworms, and the new bermudagrass stem maggot can also remove large amounts of green leaf, thus depriving the plant of the ability to produce roots. The ability for good root growth and development is always important, but critically so during drought.

The bottom line? Maintain an adequate amount of forage residue in the pasture at all times. Different species have different thresholds. Bermudagrass and bahiagrass, for example, may be grazed repeatedly to a height of 4” with little detrimental effect. Kleingrass, Old World bluestems, intermediate native species should not be grazed below 6”-8”. Our native tallgrasses such as little bluestem, big bluestem, indiangrass and others should not be grazed below 12”-14”. Keeping some of these thresholds in mind, scouting the field to check on the key species and for potential weed and insect problems, and sometimes making the hard decisions regarding stocking rate will help maintain plant vigor and production by allowing optimum photosynthesis to take place. These same actions will also enhance animal performance, protect the environment, and increase profit potential for your operation.

]]>http://foragefax.tamu.edu/2014/06/12/pasture-management-just-the-facts/feed/0Weed of the Week: Broadleaf Marshelderhttp://foragefax.tamu.edu/2014/06/11/weed-of-the-week-broadleaf-marshelder/
http://foragefax.tamu.edu/2014/06/11/weed-of-the-week-broadleaf-marshelder/#commentsWed, 11 Jun 2014 20:31:21 +0000http://agrilife.org/foragefax/?p=709Read More →]]>Broadleaf Marshedler (Iva annua L.) is a warm season annual in the Sunflower family. Also called broadleaf sump weed. The leaves are situated in pairs across from each other on the stem. Marshelder grows in wet, moist areas, disturbed areas, and roadsides. This plant germinates in the early spring in February or March. The flowers, which resemble those of the ragweed group, are inconspicuous. It flowers in later summer and fall.

Mature Marshelder

Young Marshelder Plants

Select Herbicide Options:

Weedmaster

2, 4-D

GrazonNext HL

Grazon P+D

Milestone

PastureGard

Chaparral (for bermudagrass pastures, will destroy bahiagrass)

Cimarron Max (for bermudagrass pastures, will destroy bahiagrass)

REMEMBER: THE LABEL IS THE LAW! Always read the pesticide label before using.

]]>http://foragefax.tamu.edu/2014/06/11/weed-of-the-week-broadleaf-marshelder/feed/0Upcoming Eventshttp://foragefax.tamu.edu/2014/04/14/upcoming-events/
http://foragefax.tamu.edu/2014/04/14/upcoming-events/#commentsMon, 14 Apr 2014 17:00:18 +0000http://agrilife.org/foragefax/?p=293Don’t forget to cheek out the “Events” tab for upcoming events in College Station as well as Overton, TX! Events occurring through out the year will be posted under the “Events” tab. For local programs contact your County Extension Agent.

RMU Attendees learning how to collect hay samples for analysis.

Dr. Ray Smith visiting with PALMAN attendees

]]>http://foragefax.tamu.edu/2014/04/14/upcoming-events/feed/0Weed of the Week: Mayweed chamomilehttp://foragefax.tamu.edu/2014/02/10/weed-of-the-week-mayweed-chamomile/
http://foragefax.tamu.edu/2014/02/10/weed-of-the-week-mayweed-chamomile/#commentsMon, 10 Feb 2014 19:28:59 +0000http://agrilife.org/foragefax/?p=659Read More →]]>Mayweed chamomile, often called dog fennel, stinking chamomile, or stinking mayweed is an annual bushy broadleaf plant that germinates in early spring. Mayweed chamomile inhabits crop fields, roadsides, pastures, hay meadows and other disturbed, unmanaged sites. Leaves are alternate to one another along the stem, are lobed to deeply divided, and nearly hairless to hairy.

Mayweed Chamomile

Mayweed chamomile can have a spreading form or be an erect plant, reaching 6 inches to 3 feet long. A distinguishing characteristic of mayweed is it’s unpleasant odor. Flowering takes place from spring into summer depending on location and temperatures. Tiny flowers cluster to form a daisey-like flowerhead with white flowers and a yellow center. Mayweed chamomile reproduces by seed.

Select Herbicide Options:

(Always read pesticide labels for appropriate rates and any restrictions)

Weedmaster

2, 4-D

GrazonNext HL

Grazon P+D

Pasturall HL

Surmount

Milestone

Chaparral (labeled for use in bermudagrass pastures and hay meadows; will control bahiagrass)

Cimarron Plus (labeled for use in bermudagrass pastures and hay meadows; will control bahiagrass)

Pastora (labeled for use in bermudagrass pastures and hay meadows; will control bahiagrass)